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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Torrential rains wreak havoc in Northeast: Landslides, flash floods hit Mizoram, Arunachal, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim; 18 dead, dozens displaced
NEW DELHI: At least 18 people have died and dozens have been displaced across five Northeastern states as relentless rainfall triggered widespread landslides and flash floods over the past 48 hours. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the region till May 31. Mizoram: Family of three among four killed in landslides In Mizoram, four people were killed in separate incidents triggered by landslides caused by heavy rainfall over the past two days. Among the dead were three members of a family in Champhai district and one person in Serchhip. One person remains trapped under the debris. Landslides and floods have been reported from at least 10 districts including Aizawl, Lunglei, Kolasib, Mamit, Champhai, and Serchhip. According to the Mizoram State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, over 15 houses were destroyed and many roads have become inaccessible. Mizoram disaster management minister prof. Lalnilawma visited the State Emergency Operations Centre to assess the situation and announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased. 'I assure the people that the government is doing everything it can. Relief operations are ongoing despite the difficult terrain,' he said. Governor Lt Gen VK Singh (retd) expressed condolences and urged residents in disaster-prone areas to remain alert and cooperative. Arunachal Pradesh: Seven killed in East Kameng landslide, two in lower Subansiri In Arunachal Pradesh, nine people were killed in two separate incidents caused by heavy rains. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A major tragedy occurred in East Kameng district on Friday night when a landslide on National Highway 13 pushed a vehicle carrying seven people into a deep gorge. All passengers — including a pregnant woman, three children, and three others — were from Kitchang village and were returning from Seppa town. 'Due to darkness and another slide nearby, we had to halt operations. All seven bodies were recovered this morning,' said East Kameng Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom on Saturday. In a separate incident, two labourers were buried alive in a cabbage field in Lower Subansiri district on Saturday after a landslide hit the area where they were working. Meanwhile, in Upper Subansiri district's Daporijo town, flash floods triggered by the overflowing Sigin river damaged over 117 houses. Authorities have issued prohibitory orders in several vulnerable areas to prevent further casualties. Manipur: Army deploys rescue teams as imphal submerged In Manipur, heavy rainfall has led to city-wide flooding in Imphal, affecting hundreds of homes and disrupting road traffic. Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh said that emergency services and municipal departments were on high alert. The Indian Army deployed eight rescue columns to assist the civil administration. Among those rescued were members of a private radio broadcast team stranded in a low-lying area of Imphal. 'The water level is dangerously high in several areas. People are advised to move to safer locations,' said an official from the Manipur Disaster Management Authority. Assam: Five dead in Guwahati landslides, panic across city In Assam, five people have died due to landslides across Guwahati's Kamrup Metro district in the past 24 hours. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirmed that the incidents were reported from multiple locations including Noonmati, Kahilipara, and Hengerabari. Tree falls, road blockages, and power outages were reported across the city, leading to panic and severe traffic congestion. 'We are keeping a close watch and have mobilized our emergency response teams,' said an ASDMA spokesperson. Sikkim: Red alert as Teesta river swells, landslides in multiple districts Sikkim has been placed under red alert as continuous rainfall over the past week has sharply raised the water level in the Teesta river. The state's Emergency Operations Centre said landslides were reported from Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts. Although no casualties have been reported so far, district officials have asked people in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain cautious and prepare for possible evacuations. IMD warning: More rainfall expected till May 31 According to the IMD, the ongoing heavy rainfall in the Northeast is due to a combination of a depression over Bangladesh and a western disturbance approaching northwest India. The IMD warned of 'extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places' accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Disaster management authorities in all affected states have ramped up relief efforts, cleared road blockades, and opened relief camps. People are being urged to avoid venturing near rivers, landslide-prone hillsides, and waterlogged streets. 'The situation remains critical. We are coordinating with local administrations for timely response and relief,' said an NDMA official.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Marching into history: NDA's first women cadets graduate
Marching into history: NDA's first women cadets graduate PUNE: The first batch of 17 women National Defence Academy (NDA) cadets passed out Friday, scripting a new chapter in the annals of the Indian Armed Forces. Unlike previous parades during their three years at the academy, when they had a separate contingent, the 17 marched with male cadets at the Pune academy's Arun Khetarpal Parade Grounds, indistinguishable from their military crew haircut and confident stride. The passing-out parade (PoP) marked a culmination of the hard work, determination, motivation and high standards of physical fitness. The women, part of a total of 336 cadets who passed out, celebrated later with a "push-up" competition. Former Army chief and Mizoram governor V K Singh, who reviewed the parade, described it as a unique moment in NDA's history. "These young women are the inimitable symbol of nari shakti, embodying not just women's development but women-led development. I envision a future not far from now when one of these women rises to the highest echelon of the service they go to. The moment shows the uniqueness of the NDA as we could not distinguish male and female cadets during the parade," said Singh, who passed out of NDA in 1969. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, who commanded the parade, echoed the views. "The women cadets performed well. They outshone male cadets in many aspects," Negi said. The hours-long rehearsals for the parade in scorching heat and rain culminated with impressive results, said Ishita Singh, one of the women cadets. "PoP is one of the most important events in military life. I always wanted to celebrate this occasion in front of my parents and dear ones. Today, I could fulfil my wish," Ishita told TOI. According to NDA commandant Gurcharan Singh, when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. "Today, they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running, playing and training together. Every activity is gender-neutral," Gurcharan said. The parents could not be more delighted. "My daughter is not only mine now. She is the daughter of the nation. She is our only daughter. When she decided to join NDA, we supported her. She was inspired by her grandfather, who had served in the Army," said Ashok Mehalan, father of cadet Sheetal Mehalan and businessman from Rohtak in Haryana. According to C Sangwan, father of cadet Ishita, his daughter has given him "a new identity". "When we got to know about entry for women in NDA, we asked her to submit her form 20 days before the exam. She cleared it. Today, she proved her mettle and made us very proud," said Sangwan, who hails from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. Ajit Duhan, father of Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain of the women's batch, fell "short of words to praise her achievement". "Her personality has changed completely - a total transformation," Ajit said.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
First batch of women cadets blaze a trail as they make history at NDA's passing out parade
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: The first batch of women cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA), marching in perfect synchrony with male contingents, scripted a new chapter in the history of the Indian Armed Forces on May 30. The 17 trailblazing women cadets proudly crossed the 'Antim Pag' after going through three years of intense military and academic training, standing shoulder to shoulder at the Arun Khetarpal Parade Ground of the premier military academy on Friday morning. "This is the day we dreamed of for the last three years. We are here," said Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain of the first batch of women cadets, with a beaming smile. The women cadets were part of each aspect of the parade. For the first time, they were also 'pilots' to receive the guests to the quarter deck. Like previous parades during their time at the academy, they did not have a separate contingent — instead, they marched together with the male cadets, indistinguishable with their military crew haircut and confident stride. The women cadets celebrated the moment together with a 'push-up' competition in front of the Sudan Block, where they first stepped into the academy three years ago with the dream to carve their names into the history of the Indian military. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo The PoP was a culmination of their hard work, determination, motivation, and high standards of physical fitness. The reviewing officer, former Army Chief Gen VK Singh and Governor of Mizoram, described the moment as a unique and significant day in the history of NDA. "These young women are the inimitable symbol of 'nari shakti', embodying not just women's development but women-led development. I envision a future not far from now when one of these women rises to the highest echelon of the service they go to," he said. He added, "The moment shows the uniqueness of the NDA as we could not distinguish male and female cadets during the parade. They are meticulously and strongly trained at the academy," said Singh, who passed out from NDA in 1969. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, a President's silver medalist, commanded the parade of 1,341 cadets, including 336 passing out cadets. Negi told TOI, "The women cadets performed well. We did not consider them separate. They outshone male cadets in many aspects. For us, they are just our course mates. They are just worthy, capable, and I am sure they will do justice to their services." The hours-long rehearsals for the parade in both scorching heat and rain culminated with impressive results, said cadet Ishita Singh. "The PoP is one of the most important events in military life. I always wanted to celebrate this occasion in front of my parents and dear ones. Today, I could fulfil my wish," she told TOI. Srishti Singh, the naval cadet, also spoke of some initial difficulties at the academy as she struggled to balance training and academics. "My grades dropped in the first term, but after acquainting myself with the schedule, I picked up well," she said. Recalling the days of the 'Josh run' of 40km during night camps with male cadets, she said, "I was, in fact, supported and motivated by male cadets during the run. Their motivation pushed me to achieve my optimum. Likewise, we helped each other like 'real buddies'." Vice Admiral Gurucharan Singh, Commandant of NDA, told TOI, "They (the women cadets) have done exceptionally well and their performance in the parade was testimony to their high spirit and motivation." On the occasion, VK Singh also unveiled a special magazine titled 'Breaking Barriers', in which officers and the NDA Commandant have written about their experiences training the first batch of women cadets. At the ceremony, VK Singh presented the President's gold medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the President's silver medal to Academy Cadet Captain Negi, and the President's bronze medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. The prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to the Golf squadron for overall excellence. Seamless integration of women cadets: Commandant The academy gradually and seamlessly integrated women cadets with boys. Commandant Gurcharan Singh said that when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. "Today, they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running, playing and training together. Every activity at the academy is gender neutral. It took us time, but now it is in progress." He said that before taking the step of integrating women cadets into the squadrons and assessing how their living conditions would be, he personally led a team to the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where female cadets were in training for some years. "We drew inspiration from them, studied their models, and adapted as to how it can be implemented here at NDA," he said. Pune: The first batch of women cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA), marching in perfect synchrony with male contingents, scripted a new chapter in the history of the Indian Armed Forces on May 30. The 17 trailblazing women cadets proudly crossed the 'Antim Pag' after going through three years of intense military and academic training, standing shoulder to shoulder at the Arun Khetarpal Parade Ground of the premier military academy on Friday morning. "This is the day we dreamed of for the last three years. We are here," said Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain of the first batch of women cadets, with a beaming smile. The women cadets were part of each aspect of the parade. For the first time, they were also 'pilots' to receive the guests to the quarter deck. Like previous parades during their time at the academy, they did not have a separate contingent — instead, they marched together with the male cadets, indistinguishable with their military crew haircut and confident stride. The women cadets celebrated the moment together with a 'push-up' competition in front of the Sudan Block, where they first stepped into the academy three years ago with the dream to carve their names into the history of the Indian military. The PoP was a culmination of their hard work, determination, motivation, and high standards of physical fitness. The reviewing officer, former Army Chief Gen VK Singh and Governor of Mizoram, described the moment as a unique and significant day in the history of NDA. "These young women are the inimitable symbol of 'nari shakti', embodying not just women's development but women-led development. I envision a future not far from now when one of these women rises to the highest echelon of the service they go to," he said. He added, "The moment shows the uniqueness of the NDA as we could not distinguish male and female cadets during the parade. They are meticulously and strongly trained at the academy," said Singh, who passed out from NDA in 1969. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, a President's silver medalist, commanded the parade of 1,341 cadets, including 336 passing out cadets. Negi told TOI, "The women cadets performed well. We did not consider them separate. They outshone male cadets in many aspects. For us, they are just our course mates. They are just worthy, capable, and I am sure they will do justice to their services." The hours-long rehearsals for the parade in both scorching heat and rain culminated with impressive results, said cadet Ishita Singh. "The PoP is one of the most important events in military life. I always wanted to celebrate this occasion in front of my parents and dear ones. Today, I could fulfil my wish," she told TOI. Srishti Singh, the naval cadet, also spoke of some initial difficulties at the academy as she struggled to balance training and academics. "My grades dropped in the first term, but after acquainting myself with the schedule, I picked up well," she said. Recalling the days of the 'Josh run' of 40km during night camps with male cadets, she said, "I was, in fact, supported and motivated by male cadets during the run. Their motivation pushed me to achieve my optimum. Likewise, we helped each other like 'real buddies'." Vice Admiral Gurucharan Singh, Commandant of NDA, told TOI, "They (the women cadets) have done exceptionally well and their performance in the parade was testimony to their high spirit and motivation." On the occasion, VK Singh also unveiled a special magazine titled 'Breaking Barriers', in which officers and the NDA Commandant have written about their experiences training the first batch of women cadets. At the ceremony, VK Singh presented the President's gold medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the President's silver medal to Academy Cadet Captain Negi, and the President's bronze medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. The prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to the Golf squadron for overall excellence. Seamless integration of women cadets: Commandant The academy gradually and seamlessly integrated women cadets with boys. Commandant Gurcharan Singh said that when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. "Today, they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running, playing and training together. Every activity at the academy is gender neutral. It took us time, but now it is in progress." He said that before taking the step of integrating women cadets into the squadrons and assessing how their living conditions would be, he personally led a team to the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where female cadets were in training for some years. "We drew inspiration from them, studied their models, and adapted as to how it can be implemented here at NDA," he said.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
In a first, 17 female cadets take part in NDA parade
While the 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) concluded its rigorous training with a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground on the morning of May 30, 2025, the occasion was made even more momentous by the 17 pioneering female cadets who became the first women to pass out from the NDA. A total of 1,341 cadets participated in the parade, including 336 who were part of the passing out course. This year's POP was historic in that it witnessed the commissioning of the first-ever batch of 17 female cadets from the NDA. These pioneering cadets will now move on to their respective pre-commissioning training academies as proud NDA alumni. The presence of the female cadets' parents added a deeply personal dimension to the ceremony as they celebrated not only their daughters' achievements but also the latter's role in breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for women in the Indian Armed Forces. The event – a vibrant celebration of discipline, dedication and military excellence – was attended by the cadets' proud parents, dignitaries, schoolchildren, civilians, and both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces. Many among the attendees look visibly moved as they proceeded to break into tearful smiles and give standing ovations. The reviewing officer for the parade was general V K Singh (Retd.), governor of Mizoram, who took the salute as the cadets marched past the quarterdeck with immaculate precision. The parade was commanded by academy cadet captain Udayveer Singh Negi of Golf Squadron while lieutenant colonel Praveen Kumar Tiwari, the adjutant, astride his charger 'Reliant Robin', oversaw the ceremonial proceedings. In recognition of outstanding performance, the reviewing officer presented the President's Medals to the top cadets in the order of merit. The President's Gold Medal was awarded to BCA Prince Raj; President's Silver Medal to ACC Udayveer Singh Negi; and President's Bronze Medal to BCC Tejas Bhatt. The Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to Golf Squadron, further underscoring the latter's exemplary performance during the training. Adding to the ceremonial grandeur, a flypast featuring flag-trooping Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft offered a spectacular aerial salute, symbolising the high standards of training and readiness at the NDA. NDA unveils magazine chronicling journey of first female cadets On the sidelines of the POP, chief guest, general V K Singh (Retd.); along with lieutenant general Gurucharan Singh, commandant of the NDA; interacted with members of the media. During the interaction, they unveiled a special commemorative magazine dedicated to the inaugural batch of female cadets at the academy. The publication captures a historic chapter in NDA's evolution and features personal reflections from the commandant and deputy commandant on the induction and training of the female cadets. The magazine also includes firsthand accounts and experiences shared by the cadets themselves, offering a sneak-peek into their journey and the transformative impact of their presence at the academy. Addressing the media on this occasion, general V K Singh (Retd.), said, 'The female cadets were seamlessly integrated into the POP, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts – indistinguishable in their bearing, precision, and discipline. This remarkable cohesion is a testament to the meticulous training and rigorous standards upheld by the academy. While the journey to induct female cadets into the NDA involved a long and deliberate process, that milestone has now been firmly achieved. The academy is steadily evolving into a truly gender-neutral institution, committed to providing equal opportunities and nurturing the potential of every cadet. There is no doubt that the NDA will continue to deliver advanced and progressive training, ensuring that all cadets, regardless of gender, are fully prepared for the challenges of military leadership.' NDA commandant lieutenant general Gurucharan Singh reflected on the journey of integrating the female cadets into the academy saying, 'The process of including female cadets has been underway for quite some time. Initially, they were housed separately in designated accommodations as we closely observed how they adapted to the training environment. After carefully reviewing their performance, they were progressively integrated into squadrons and battalions. Today, they train together, play together, and participate in camps alongside their male counterparts. I can confidently say that we now have the experience and insight needed to ensure that future training will yield even better outcomes. Of course, we drew inspiration from institutions like the Officers Training Academy and the Indian Naval Academy, where female cadets have long been part of the system, and adapted our approach accordingly.'
India Gazette
a day ago
- General
- India Gazette
First-ever batch of 17 women cadets passes out from NDA
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): The National Defence Academy (NDA) witnessed a momentous occasion on Fridat as the first-ever batch of 17 women cadets was among the 336 cadets who graduated from the academy, marking the culmination of 148th Course - Spring Term 2025, as per a release from the Ministry of Defence. According to the release, a total of 1,341 Cadets, including 336 from the passing out course, participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Maharashtra's Khadakwasla. Gracing the occasion as the Reviewing Officer was the Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd). The parade marked the successful completion of rigorous military and academic training by the cadets, culminating in a splendid display of precision, discipline and military bearing. It was impeccably conducted by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, astride his charger 'Reliant Robin'. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of 'G' Squadron commanded the parade with exceptional composure and military precision. In recognition of the exemplary performance, the Reviewing Officer presented the President's Gold Medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, the President's Silver Medal to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, and the President's Bronze Medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. The prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to the Golf Squadron for overall excellence. The event concluded with a grand flypast featuring flag-trooping Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and the majestic Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft. This symbolised the culmination of training and the cadets' readiness to embark on the next phase of their military journey. The event was attended by a diverse group that included proud families, distinguished dignitaries, school children, civilians, and serving and retired Armed Forces personnel. The Spring Term 2025 POP stands as a proud testament to the Academy's enduring commitment to grooming future military leaders, now enriched with the inclusion of women cadets destined to serve the nation with honour and valour. The release added that the event held historical significance as it marked the passing out of the first-ever batch of 17 Female Cadets from the Academy -- a transformative milestone in NDA's legacy of nation-building. (ANI)
